Healing
the Heart
Meditation
Part 3
by Sandra Church,
M.E.(Psychology)
Back
| Next | Contents
| Home
The
practice of meditation can increase your ability to concentrate
as well as give you the gift of noticing more about life around
you. Students can benefit from mediation breaks by remembering
what they are studying better. Artists often say they feel more
creative, see colours more brightly and are more excited about
their work.
Children
can be taught to meditate just as part of an everyday experience,
especially if it is kept simple and short. Even pets like to join
someone when they meditate. Those who practice Yoga often include
meditation as a regular part of their practise. Yoga postures
and exercises are often considered to be meditative. Many Eastern
forms of exercise such as Tai Chi, Tai Kwon Do and Karate also
incorporate meditative techniques.
Meditation
is used for many reasons. The intention is important, even if
it is just to relax. The following are some reasons to meditate:
1. Physical Healing - many individuals experiencing a chronic
disease such as cancer, use meditation to visualize their healing;
2. Goal Setting - exploring future possibilities. Meditation can
help make the imagination more vivid, allowing you to experience
in your mind’s eye how different possibilities feel;
3. Understanding Relationships - during and after meditation,
when you are peaceful, rested and clear minded, it is a good time
to reflect on how different people fit into your life;
4. Changing Negative Thinking - meditation helps you to see and
focus on the positives in your life. Positive thoughts lead to
positive plans which lead to positive action.
In
Part I, we started our meditation with a simple breathing exercise.
The next simple method is to use a mantra. A mantra is a sound
or word to focus on, to fill the mind - leaving no room for unwanted
thoughts. Many eastern practices use the word OM. OM, not unlike
the word, AMEN, is considered to be a sacred word and sound.
A mantra
can also be a phrase such as I am at peace. A mantra can be a
positive affirmation which you create to assist you in reaching
your goals. Many churches have books of devotions which can be
a good starting place to create your own personalized affirmations,
thoughts and prayers. You can use any holy book to find more suggestions
for positive affirmations.
With
the help of your pastor, spiritual counsellor or counsellor you
can create a mediation tape which suits your needs in developing
appropriate words for your affirmations. Positive affirmations
can be about spiritual or personal growth to assisting you in
focussing on a particular sports skill.
Along
with your breathing, find a mantra, words or phrases to assist
you along your path of personal and spiritual growth. An example
may be, I am a worthy person. Find something that fits your life.
Say this at least 3 times twice a day. Sunset and sunrise are
the ideal times, but choose a regular time that suits your schedule.
Keep a journal of your affirmations, thoughts and behavioural
changes.
Sdchurch@ns.sympatico.ca
Back
| Next | Contents
| Home